Along with all the scientific names, this species is nicknamed "Carpenter's Rule" because of the unique shape of the colonies and the way the cells slide back and forth against each other. This method of motility is distinctive and easily recognizable. Cells average 70-115µ long and 5-6µ wide. Collected in 20 µ net tow off Carrie Bow Cay. The numerous synonyms go back to Muller in 1783 with his initial naming of Vibrio paxillifera.